Plans of Approach for Integrity reports, Approval of Integrity Chamber Ordinance, nomination of "Kwartiermaker"
PHILIPSBURG:--- Government on Monday, January 26th submitted to Parliament the plan of approach to implement the recommendations of the three integrity reports as instructed by Parliament in a motion that was unanimously passed by Parliament on October 22, 2014. The plan addresses the General Audit Chamber Report, the Wit-Samson "Doing Things Right" and the PwC report on Integrity.
The Council of Ministers also informed Parliament on Monday that it has approved a draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber for Sint Maarten as well as nominated a so called "Kwartiermaker" by resolution (landsbesluit) who will be charged with preparing the implementation of the aforementioned ordinance. The ordinance has been forwarded to the Council of Advice in the regular trajectory to request advice.
The draft ordinance is of the utmost importance as it will establish an institution based on article 98 of our constitution to investigate breaches of integrity and will function as an advisory body for the Government in matters related to Integrity. "This ordinance has been submitted today to the Advisory Council and we hope that within short the draft will reach Parliament for debate in order to be decided upon," Prime Minister the Hon. Marcel Gumbs said.
Gumbs said that government is confident that the aforementioned steps puts Sint Maarten on a genuine trajectory, grounded in law, to embrace and ensure integrity in governing. The Gumbs cabinet aims to strengthen the promotion of good governance which is seen as a necessary and vital requirement to foster economic and social development for the country.
In just over a month in office, the Gumbs cabinet has complied with the Ordinance on the Integrity of Ministers by submitting the stipulated declarations, signed to adhere to the Ordinance on the registration and financing of political parties and now approved a draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber for Sint Maarten as well as nominated a so called "Kwartiermaker".
